Actor, voice artist and comedian Partick Warburton will say the most famous words in motorsports ahead of the Straight Talk Wireless 500 on Sunday, March 8.
Warburton will give the command of “drivers, start your engines” in his deep, recognizable drawl before drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series battle it out on the iconic, one-mile doglegged oval.
“We’re thrilled to have Patrick Warburton join us as the Grand Marshal for this weekend’s NASCAR race at Phoenix Raceway,” said Latasha Casuey, President, Phoenix Raceway. “His unmistakable voice and charisma make him a fantastic fit for the energy and passion our fans bring to race day, and we’re looking forward to all the excitement this weekend will bring.”
Warburton, known for his deep baritone voice and deadpan comedic delivery, began his acting career in the early 1990s and quickly developed into a household name, recognizable in both live-action and animated projects.
Warburton has voiced several beloved animated characters, including Kronk in the Disney film The Emperor’s New Groove and Joe Swanson in the long-running animated sitcom Family Guy. He also starred as the title character in the cult superhero comedy The Tick and appeared in numerous animated series, films, and commercials, becoming one of the most distinctive character actors in modern television and voice acting.
Warburton’s command will be just one of the amazing pre-race highlights for NASCAR fans on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. The day will begin with a Joey Chestnut hot dog eating contest at 9 a.m. followed by a pre-race concert from country music star Craig Morgan. Fans with Desert Diamond Casino Infield Experience passes will have the best access to all of the pre-race action.
The Straight Talk Wireless 500 will be the grand finale of a high-octane weekend of racing at Phoenix Raceway. The excitement continues Saturday with the NTT INDYCAR Series’ Good Ranchers 250, followed by the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ GOVX 200.
Tickets are going fast, and fans are encouraged to act now to secure their seats by visiting www.phoenixraceway.com
— Phoenix Raceway —